ODIN is a Laser Weapon that was created for the Surface Navy. It took two and a-half years to develop, from conception to installation. This device will be used across the fleet to provide anti-drone protection. This technology will also be used in the development of future Surface Navy Laser Weapon Systems.
Optical Dazzler Interdictor Navy (ODIN)
The Optical Dazzler Interdictor is a directed-energy weapon that will be used on surface combatants of the US Navy. It's designed to deflect uncrewed aircraft systems and divert them away from the surface fighter. VTG was already chosen by the US Navy for installation of the ODIN system aboard five Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyers.
According to Navy budget requests for fiscal 20,23, it has seven ODIN unit operational and one in testing and certification. It has been installed on three Arleigh-Burke-class guided missile destroyers, including USS Stockdale. Two more units are planned to be added in the coming years.
Cost per shot
Although developing lasers can be difficult, integrating them into a ship's design is much more challenging. CRS's most recent report estimated that the cost for a shot of ODIN/LaWS-sized systems will average $1.15 while a 480 kW laser could go as high as $10. The fuel that is used to generate electricity makes up the bulk of the laser's costs. But many Navy ships' power systems are not designed for such short bursts of high-intensity output.
Laser weapons have shown great promise in recent years, and the ODIN laser weapon system is a great first step. This system has the primary purpose of protecting surface combatants against aerial threats. But it is also important to understand that it is not a point defence weapon. Lasers have the ultimate goal to eliminate expensive munitions that can sometimes cost millions of dollars per shot.
Size
The Odin Laser is a class-4 handheld, high-power burning laser powered with two 26650 batteries. It quickly burns matches, plastic pieces, and wood. Odin 5W is a newer version of the Odin Laser and is significantly more powerful that the 3W version.
Installation on surface boats
The U.S. Navy created the ODIN laser, a brand new weapon system. The laser is designed to disrupt the optical sensors of unmanned aerial vehicles. These drones pose no threat to surface vessels, but ODIN could render them inoperable for surveillance and reconnaissance. They would be unable to find their way which would hinder their ability conduct Navy activities.
Surface ships will have the ODIN Laser installed by 2020. VTG has been chosen by the US Navy as the company to develop and implement this system. Over 240 upgrades were completed for US Navy submarines, aircraft carrier and surface ship. The US Navy will now have an asymmetric threat-based response system with the weapon systems.
Potential to open doors to other laser weapon system
Laser weapons have the potential to transform military effectiveness. These precision weapons can penetrate or dazzle structures or destroy munitions or neutralise unmanned air systems. They are also highly flexible and can be tailored to produce a variety of effects.
Laser-based systems have stealth-like capabilities, are cost-effective and low-cost. These systems can easily cause damage to targets that are hundreds of thousands of miles from their source. These systems were developed by a variety of government-funded research projects. The Defense Advanced analysis Agency, USA, developed a high powered airborne laser platform. This platform was used to perform laser experiments.